Rouses Point summer concert series kicks off July 11

continued  “You just bring your lounge chairs down, and of course your bug spray, and just enjoy. We don’t charge for anything, but we do sell drinks at intermission and that’s done by the Fire Auxiliary here in Rouses Point,” Merchant said.

There are also a few marinas in the village, so boaters can stop and come to the event.

“You can’t beat free; to come down and enjoy something for free on a nice evening,” Merchant said.

Merchant has noticed that the audience has gotten bigger as each year progresses and word of mouth spreads.

Anyone looking for more information about the series can also look on the Village of Rouses Point website.

“I’ve had people asking for (performance series) programs since January,” Merchant said.

The “Friends of the Stage” also tries to mix it up every year, bringing in different acts to appeal to a wide range of people.

Last year, Merchant said they had a swing band for the older generation and that there are always various bands performing all types of music, from rock to country to acoustic.

Also on the program are Merchant’s son, Scott, and two guest performers, who will sing opera and do a jazz performance.

“He’s (Scott) performed all over the world and performed here the past couple years,” Merchant said.

Merchant is also looking forward to the future and expanding the types of performances every year.

One of the possibilities is a competition talent show. He’d also like to have illusionists and magicians perform.

“ There’s a lot of things we have in the works, in fact I could’ve booked for the next two years groups that want to perform down there. The interest is there, and the people seem to like it, so we’re going to get it going as long as we can,” says Merchant.